Energy-saving devices and practices are on a lot of people’s minds right now,
especially as the weather gets colder. One great resource for tips on how to
save energy – and money – is the Department of Energy’s
Energy Savers website. They have a wide range of tips, from cheap and
simple to those that require more initial investment. For example, in the
winter, keeping curtains open during the day and closed at night not only brings
the sunshine in to heat the house during the day, but helps provide further
insulation at night. Install awnings to help keep direct sunlight out in the
summer. Other tips include those related to insulation, appliances, home
electronics, and even driving and car maintenance.

Indiana
and the Federal Government are becoming partners in new energy
technologies and job opportunities around the State. The
federal government has launched the Energy Efficiency &
Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funded by the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This initiative is
intended to create jobs, improve energy efficiencies, and reduce
total energy use. Indiana’s Office of Energy Development
(OED) will receive more than $14 million, the majority of which
will be used for sub-grants for cities and counties not receiving
direct funding. Some examples of projects include: LED Traffic
Signal retrofits; lighting retrofits for government-owned
structures; and Structure Retrofits (excluding lighting) for
Government-Owned Structures. More information on the Efficiency
& Conservation Block Grant Program can be found at
http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/. For more information,
check out the program guidelines or the Frequently
Asked Questions page.

The
Statistical
Abstract of the U.S., or “Stat Abstract,” has been
published since 1878. When a question comes up about food
consumption during a given year, such as the amount of ice cream
consumed per capita in 1990, it’s the best thing to turn to. You
can also find out that at least three times more patents were
issued in California in 2007 than in any other state, most of
these for inventions. This resource contains a wealth of
statistical information on various topics such as Agriculture,
Education, Geography, Health, and Transportation. Statistical
sources include the Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Justice, U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CDC, the CIA, and more. The
physical book is almost 1,000 pages long; and it’s a valuable
addition to any reference shelf. The Stat Abstract is also
available electronically via the Census Bureau’s website, along
with earlier editions.

November 11 is
Veterans Day. Veterans Day has its origins in the ending of World War I.
Although the war didn’t officially end until June 28, 1919, an armistice was
proclaimed on November 11, 1918. In November of the following year, President
Woodrow Wilson proclaimed a National Armistice Day in commemoration of those who
died during the war. In 1938, Armistice Day became a legal holiday dedicated to
world peace. It primarily honored veterans of the first World War until 1954.
By this time there were more veterans of WWII than there were of WWI. The
legislation was changed to honor all veterans.

In the 1960s, the Uniform Holiday Bill was passed. It was
designed to ensure that the four big federal holidays –
Washington’s birthday, Memorial Day, Columbus Day and Veterans
Day – would always be celebrated on Mondays, thus preserving the
three-day weekend and allowing for travel and recreational
activities. In 1971, Veterans Day was on October 25. An uproar
ensued. Because of the significance of the date November 11,
citizens and veterans groups around the country wanted to
continue to recognize that day. In 1975, President Gerald Ford
signed a law that returned the observance back to its original
day. To this day, Veterans Day is on November 11 every year,
regardless of what day of the week it falls on. According to
the Department of Veterans Affairs, it is a “celebration to
honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country,
and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”